Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the reported outbreak of foot and mouth disease, FMD, in Brazil and the levels of imported beef from there into Ireland, consideration has been given to a total ban, having regard to the traumatic experience in the Cooley Peninsula, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29903/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The European Commission introduces safeguard measures limiting or banning the export of animal products from third countries where the conditions of an animal disease outbreak could seriously affect production and trade in animal products in the EU. In the application of such measures the Community applies the regionalisation principle that can allow trade to continue from non-affected regions. In practice, this means that where there is a disease outbreak, restrictions on trade are applied to products from this affected region while trade can continue from other unaffected parts of this country or region. It will be recalled that this principle was applied to trade here during the FMD outbreak in 2001.

Following confirmation of an outbreak of FMD on a farm in the Eldorado district of Mato Grosso do Sul in the southern part of Brazil, the European Commission introduced the suspension of imports of de-boned and matured beef from the regions of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, and also Sao Paulo. Accordingly, beef produced in the affected regions from cattle slaughtered since 29 September 2005 may not now be traded. The measures have immediate effect throughout the EU.

I am satisfied that this safeguard action by the EU is the appropriate response to the recent outbreak of FMD in Brazil. My Department will keep the position under close review in conjunction with the European Commission and other member states.